Syfy is reviving the channel’s event series programming for fourth quarter with the greenlighting of the 6-hour series “Ascension.”
“Ascension” is an original drama created and written by Philip Levens (“Smallville”), who will serve as executive producer and showrunner.
The series will be produced in Montreal by Sea to Sky Studios in association with Blumhouse Productions. Jason Blum (“The Purge“) and Mark Stern will exec produce the project along with Ivan Fecan, Tim Gamble and Brett Burlock on behalf of Sea to Sky Studios. The event series will be co-financed and distributed by Universal Cable Productions and Lionsgate Television.
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“Ascension” takes place in 1963, when the U.S. government launched a covert space mission sending hundreds of men, women and children on a century-long voyage aboard the starship Ascension to populate a new world. Nearly 50 years into the journey, as they approach the point of no return, a mysterious murder of a young woman causes the ship’s population to question the true nature of their mission.
“Syfy is more committed than ever to bringing to life epic event television,” Syfy President Dave Howe said in a press release. “We have a rich history in this arena, from Steven Spielberg‘s ‘Taken’ to the highly acclaimed mini that launched the ‘Battlestar Galactica’ series, to reimagined takes on classic tales such as ‘Alice’ and ‘Tin Man.’ In keeping with that grand tradition, we are delighted to bring this thrilling, provocative and intelligent event to our fans later this year.”
“Ascension” is slated to launch in November 2014 and air through December.